Member postings for David Fouracre

Hi Alan

I've come late to this topic, but might be able to help. I used to own The Tool Box in Colyton, and picked up a Model B about 7 years ago which I decided to keep for my own use - 0-gauge model railways. However, it only had one of the three interchangeable motor pulleys. I actually found a contact for Alfred Herbert, who quoted me around £125 plus VAT for the largest (fastest spindle speed) pulley, and the belts were about £25-30 for each size.

I decided to solve the problem in another way. I turned up the middle and larger crowned motor pulleys from aluminium multi-step pulleys, including the internal taper to match the taper on the motor shaft. They are only single-step, whereas the originals were two-step, but they give me three speeds. As far as belts were concerned, on the recommendation of one of my customers I dealt with a very helpful firm in Gloucestershire - I think it might have been www.acbelting.co.uk - who supplied two belts for each of the two larger pulleys, and the total bill was only around £20 - they had to order in the belts specially. Both belts are 10mm wide x 1mm thick; the middle length is marked T150 740 (i.e. 740mm long) and the longer is T150 835.

My machine has a single-phase motor, and was a bit sluggish to start up, so I replaced the capacitor and now it's fine. I completely rewired the switchgear as it was a little battle-weary. I also fitted the spindle with a previously unused Albrecht 5/32" keyless chuck. Lovely!

Hope this is of some help. If you need photos or any other information do give me a shout.

David

Hi John

To list everything on the Web site would I'm afraid be well-nigh impossible! Suffice to say that with very few exceptions, all tools are 1/3 off, all unpriced drills, taps, dies and milling cutters are 50p each, all ME/E in M loose issues 10p , MEW loose issues 50p, ME/E in M bound volumes £3, and all other books 1/2 price.

Hope this clarifies things!

David

Thanks Neil. I ain't be closing the door around the end of October, but to some degree it depends on how the remaining stock clears.

David

This is to let you all know that after trying to sell the business for nearly two years, I have taken the very hard decision to close the shop in the near future. I've had almost 25 years of immense fun, handled some superb and fascinating kit, and had the pleasure of meeting an enormous spectrum of folk. However I would like to enjoy a retirement with my wife, children, grandchildren and workshop before the little grey cells get totally addled! The closing sale is now on, and there are some real bargains to be had, so if you happen to be in the area do pop in. In the meantime thank you all for your support and custom, and keep the wheels turning for the future.

David Fouracre